Audio-only (Live)
Summary:
WCAG 1.2.9, "Audio-only (Live)," addresses the accessibility of live audio content, focusing on making it accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing. This AAA-level criterion ensures that live audio broadcasts, like news or live podcasts, are inclusive.
What:
This guideline requires providing an accessible alternative, like a text transcript, for live audio content. The alternative should be updated in real time to match the live audio.
Why:
Real-time text alternatives make live audio events accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing, allowing them to participate in and benefit from live discussions, announcements, and broadcasts.
Examples and Scenarios:
- Live Radio Shows: Offering a real-time text stream that transcribes the spoken content.
- Breaking News Broadcasts: Providing live captioning or text updates for urgent news delivered via audio.
- Online Live Podcasts: Including real-time transcripts or captioning for the live audio stream.
How to Comply:
- Websites: Implement real-time captioning or text transcription for any live audio content streamed on the site.
- Mobile Apps: For apps broadcasting live audio, ensure real-time text alternatives are available and synchronized.
- Software Applications: Similar to websites, provide live text alternatives for any real-time audio content within the application.
Exceptions:
- Technical Feasibility: Real-time transcription may be challenging for some live events due to technical limitations or the nature of the content.
- Unplanned Live Content: Spontaneous or impromptu live audio events might not always allow for immediate text alternatives. However, efforts should be made to provide accessibility wherever possible.